Apparatus for use in insulating structures



A ril 21, 1942. P. A. VQIGT ETAL 2,280,469

APPARATU5=FQR USE IN INSULATING STRUCTURES v Filed April 3, 1940 I 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR Paul x7. l/cl'gz Jolie/7 BY TTORNEY April 21, 1942. A, vo ETAL 2,280,460 I APPARATUS FOR USE IN INSULATING STRUCTURES Filed April 3 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVE TOR P001 1 0/91. Johan E: Mafia/Merl.

' ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 21, 1942 APPARATUS FOR USE IN INSULATING STRUCTURES Paul A. VoighBellerose Manor, and Johan E.

Johansen, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignors to Johns- Manville Corporatiom-New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April s, 1940; Serial No. 32 7,67d

11 Claims. (or. 216-29) parts broken away takenon the line 6-5 .of-Fig. V

Fig. 7 is a sectional View taken on the line 7-7 of Fig.5;

Fig. 8 is a detail view showing a modification of the invention; and

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic,elevationalview illustrating a further modification of the invention.

to the insulating batts of the type referred to,

the backing sheets including extending side flanges which are secured to the studs or other framing members to support the insulation in position. The backing sheets also serve the additional function of a vapor seal to prevent the penetration of the moisture vapor from the building interior to the wall spaces where it may have deleterious eiTects. However, although generally effective for this latter purpose, the backing sheets do not provide a continuous seal, due to the numerous joints between vertically adjacent batts through which the moisture vapor may penetrate.

An object of the invention is to provide a device which will permit of the ready application of a sealing means, such as an adhesive coated tape, over the joints between adjacent batts.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a device, as referred to above, which includes means to underlie the marginal edges of the adjacent backing sheets to support the same against the tape or other sealing means as it is applied, the relatively yieldable character of the batts preventing them from alone constituting any adequate support.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a device of the type referred to which may be used with conventional sealing tapes and which includes a cut-cit means and is otherwise so constructed as to and efficient manipulation. Our invention will be more fully understood and further objects and advantages thereof will become apparent when reference is made to the more detailed description thereof which is to follow and to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a wall like illustrating the instant invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view illustrating a sealing means applying device and its method of operation;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is anend View of the device of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view with or the the applying device permit of rapid similar' paper. The backing sheets include I Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figsl 1 and 2, there is shown a vertical wallof a frame house or the like, the wall comprising studs NJ supporting an exterior sheathing l2. It will be understood that a Vertical wall has been shown merely for the purposes of illustration and that the invention is equally applicable to a roof, floor, or. other wall. Also, it will be understood that the Wallconstructionspe-' cifically shown is .for exemplary purposes only and that the invention may be employed. with any suitable conventional type of'wall structure which includes spaces in which insulating batts may be inserted. I

The spaces between the studs -10 have inserted therein insulating units comprising a felted'unit M of mineral wool or other fibrous insulating material, the batt including a backing sheet [6 secured thereto preferably by an asphalt or other suitable adhesive. The backing sheets I 6 are of a substantially vapor-proof material-and suitably may comprise a heavily. as'phalted kraft or flanges l8 extending beyond the batts andsecured to thestuds or other framing members 10 as by. nails 20. If desired, a layerof asphalt or other lap cement may be applied to the edges of the studs and the overlapping flanges l8 to iii) insure the positive sealing of the longitudinal joints between the units.- Insulating units are placed in the stud spaces in endwise contiguous relationwise, a suflicient number being employed to extend theentire height of a wall.

In accordance with the instant invention, a sealing memberis secured, preferably by an ad hesive, to the backing sheets in a position to cover the horizontal joints therebetween. Thus, after the insulating units are in position, a tape 22 of a substantially vapor-impervious material is adhesively secured over the horizontal joints to bridge the same. The tape may be of any of the usual types ofsealing tapes,-as, for example, a cloth or paper-ribbon coated or impregnated with a material which becomes adherent upon the application of moisture or pressure. The tape may be applied across joints individual to each stud. space, or if the joints between the units of adjacent stud spaces are'in substantial alinement, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1, the

tape may be applied continuously over the same.

A tape applying device 24 is provided, as

shown in detail in Figs. 2-9, inclusive, which in, i

other operating handle 30 at its upper end. At

least the lower end of the shank is made relatively thin and is preferably beveled at its forward edge, as indicated at 3| (see Fig. 7), to adapt it to be readily inserted between the adjacent edges of the backing sheets at the joint. The shank is connected to a resistance flange 32 as by an integral rivet or other suitable means 34. Flange 32 is dimensioned to underlie the joint for preferably the full width of the sealing tape 22 opp site the pointof application of the tape. The for ward end of flange 32 is preferably rounded or pointed, as indicated at 36 (see Figs. 2, 3, and 7 to promote its ready insertion beneath the marginal portions of the backing sheets. Frame 26 includes elongated bearing. slots 40 for the reception of journals 42 of a spindle 44,'on which is supported a roll 46 of the adhesive tape 22.

Frame member 26 at each side thereof above the,elongated bearingslots 40 is provided with openings 48 leading into the slots. Projecting from each side of the frame 26 are preferably integral members 50, including extending arms overlying the openings 48. Compression springs 52 are located at opposite sides of the frame, each with one end held. in position against the arm 5| of a member 50, as by a pin 53, and the other ,end penetrating an opening 48 and pressing through a, suitable bearing element 55 against a journal 42, whereby the spindle 44 will be spring pressed downwardly, and hence, roll 46, carried thereby, will be pressed against the marginal edges of the backing sheets supported by flange 32.

Secured interiorly of the frame at its forward'end is a flange or shelf 54 to receive a sponge or other moisture supplying element 56, which is adapted to moisten the adhesive on the tape of roll 46 as it is unwound therefrom. In Fig. 8, a form of the device is shown in which the upper'portion of shank 28 is of enlarged cross section, as compared with that of Figs. 2-5, in-

elusive, and is hollow to provide a water reservoir T4. The front wall of the reservoir is perforated as at 16 to permit the moisture from the reservoirto penetrate and wet the moistening deviceor sponge 56, whereby the same is constantly maintained in the proper moistened condition. Reservoir 14 may be closed at the upper end by a cap 80, which in this instance serves the additional function ofthe handle 30 of the forms shown in the other figures.

The rear end of frame 26 carries an extending lug 60 into which is preferably screw threaded or otherwise secured a pin 62. Mounted on. pin 62and confined by the head thereof is a cut-off device 64, including a knife blade 66 and an operating handle 68. A coil spring surrounds pin 62, and has one end secured to the frame at II and the other to an arm 12 of the cut-off device, whereby downward movement of handle 68 and blade 66 is resisted bythe spring and upon release of pressure on the handle the device is returned to the position shown in the drawings, with the handle in contact with a, stop lug I3. Knife blade 66 is preferably positioned to pass closely adjacent the rearward edge of flange 32 in its cutting movement, whereby the flange servesas a relatively fixed shearing blade cooperating with blade 66 in the severing action.

In the operation of the tape applying apparatus described above, a roll 46 of tape 22 is mounted upon spindle 44, for example, by placing the roll in position within the frame with spindle 44 removed and then inserting the spindle from either side endwise into slot beneath bearin element 55, and forcing it through the bore formed in roll 46 or roll core 51 (see Fig. 6) and then through the opposite slot 40 beneath the other bearing element. The leading end 34 of resistance flange 32 is inserted beneath marginal edges of the backing sheets l6 at the joint adjacent one of the framing members Ill. The handle 30 is then grasped and the device 24 drawn as a whole along the joint. A portion of the tape on roll 46 is initially adhered over the joint adjacent an end thereof and upon further movement'of the device 24, the tape automatically feeds from the roll, is moistened, and is pressed, dueto the spring mounting of the spindle 44 and the presence of the resistance flange 30, firmly against and is adhered to the marginal edges of the backing members'to effectively seal the joint therebetween. If the joints between the backing sheets of a plurality of the stud spaces are in alinement, the operation can continue as long as such alinement lasts. When the, tape is to be severed, handle 68 of the cut-off device is depressed to force blade 66 into severing relationship to the tape. Upon removal of the depressing force, the blade 66 returns through the action of thespring to the position shown.

Referring now to Fig. 9, a further form of the invention is shown, specifically applicable in those cases where "it is desired to have the tape rolled with the adhesive coated side inwardly. In this case, the tape roll 90 is mounted upon a suitable spindle 92, supported from the frame as by members 94, and a roll 96, preferably rubber faced, is mounted to be spring pressed downwardly similarly as roll 46 of the devices of the other figures. In operation, the tape is drawn from roll 90 andits adhesive face carried past the moistening deviceand pressed into engagement with the margins of the backing sheets at the joint by roll 96, such margins being supported by the resistance flange as before.

In lieu of an adhesive tape in which moisture is used to sensitize the adhesive, one carrying a pressure sensitive adhesive may be similarly employed. In this case, the sponge 56 or other moistening means is unnecessary and may be omitted. It will also be understood that although the tape applying device has been specifically described for use in the sealing of the joints between the backing sheets of insulating members, it is equally well adapted for many other uses where similar problems are involved.

Having thus described our invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that these details need not be strictly adhered to, but that various changes and modifications will suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.

What we claim is:

l. A device for applyin an adhesive tape over a joint between adjacent edges of sheet-like backing members of insulating batts, comprising a frame, means carried by the frame for underlying and supporting the marginal edges of said members at said joint, and means carried by said frame for yieldably pressing adhesive surfaced material against said marginal edges supported by said first-mentioned means.

2. A device for applying an adhesive surfaced strip over a joint between adjacent edges of sheet-like members, comprising a frame, a resistance flange carried by said frame and arranged to underlie the marginal edges of said sheet-like members at said joint, and means carried by said frame for yieldably pressing an adhesive coated strip against said marginal edges supported by said resistance flange.

3. A device for applying an adhesive coated tape over a joint between adjacent edges of sheetlike members, comprising a frame, a relatively wide flat resistance flange carried by said frame and arranged to underlie the marginal edges of said sheet-like members at said joint,'a relatively narrow neck adapted to be inserted between said adjacent edges connecting said flange to said frame, a spindle supporting a roll of tape, elongated bearings in said frame for supporting said spindle to permit vertical movement of the same relatively to said resistance flange, and spring means acting on said spindle for urging the roll carried thereby against said marginal edges and said marginal edges against said resistance flange.

4. A device for applying an adhesive tape over a joint between adjacent edges of sheet-like members, said device comprising a frame, means carried by said frame for underlying and supporting the marginal edges of said members at said joint, means for supporting a roll of adhesive coated tape on said frame, means carried by said frame for spring pressing tape unwound from said roll against said marginal edges supported by said first-mentioned means, and means for sensitizing the adhesive on said tape.

5. A device for applying an adhesive surfaced I moving the device along the joint.

6. A device for applying an adhesive surfaced strip over a joint between adjacent edges of sheet-like members, said device comprising a frame, a resistance flange carried by said frame and arranged to underlie the marginal edges of said sheet-like members at said joint, means carried by said frame for spring pressing an adhesive coated strip against said marginal edges supported by said resistance flange, and means handle connected to said blade and adapted to be depressed to swing said blade, and spring narrow neck adapted to be inserted between said adjacent edges connecting said flange to said frame, a spindle supporting aroll of tape, elongatedbearings in said frame for supporting said spindle to permit vertical movement of the same relatively to said resistance flange, spring means acting on said spindle for urging the roll carried carried by said frame and cooperating with said mounted for swinging movement, an operating thereby toward said resistance flange, and means carried by said frame for sensitizing adhesive on said tape as it is unwound from said roll.

9. A device for applying an adhesive coated tape over a joint between adjacent edges of sl1eet-like members, said device comprising a frame, a resistance flange carried by said frame and arranged to underlie the marginal edges of said sheet-like members at said joint, a relatively narrow neck adapted to be inserted between said adjacent edges connecting said flange to said frame, a spindle supporting a roll of tape, elongated bearings in said frame for supporting said spindle to permit vertical movement of the same relatively to said resistance flange, spring means acting on said spindle for urging the roll carried thereby toward said resistance flange, and an operating handle carried by said frame for moving said device along the joint.

10. A device for applying an adhesive coated tape over a joint between adjacent edges of sheet-like members, said device comprising a' frame, a resistance flange carried by said frame and arranged to underlie the marginal edges of said sheet-like members at said joint, a relatively narrow neck adapted to be inserted between said adjacent edges connecting said flange to said frame, a spindle supporting a roll of tape, means for urging the tape toward said resistance flange as it is unwound from said roll, and means for moistening adhesive on said tape as it is unwound from the roll, said last-named means including a water reservoir, a moisture applying element in contact with the adhesive on said tape and communicating channels between said reservoir and said moisture applying means.

11. A device for applying an adhesive coated tape over a joint between adjacent edges of sheet-like members, said device comprising a frame, a resistance flange carried by said frame and arranged to underlie the marginal edges of said sheet-like members at said joint, means connecting said flange to said frame, a spindle.

supporting a roll of tape from said frame, and means carried by said frame for urging tape unwound from said roll toward said resistance flange, said last-named means comprising a roll positioned to overlie said flange, and spring means urging said roll toward said flange.

PAUL A'. VOIGT. JOHAN E. JOHANSEN. 

